About Uruguay

COINED programs offered in Uruguay

Spanish Courses

Uruguay Facts

- 2nd smallest country in Latin America.

- Highest literacy rate in Latin America.

- Uruguayans are among the most supportive of democracy.

- Its culture is strongly European and its influences from southern Europe are particularly important.

Patagonia

In Latin American context, Uruguay is a tiny country. But don’t let the size fool you: Good things come in small packages! This country has a unique combination of open space and low population density ideal for those who like raw nature and want to have a taste of "gaucho" life.

You can also enjoy large sandy beaches, such as Brava beach In Punta del Este or hectic metropolitan cities like Montevideo. Thanks to its high standard of living and the relaxed hospitality of its people, it's a delightful place to travel. Immersed yourself Español while learning to dance the typical Candombe, playing soccer or drinking mate with friendly locals. Uruguay is definitely the ideal destination to start your Experiencia en Español!

 

 


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Featured trips

Punta del Este: Internationally known as an exclusive resort of South America flooded with international jet set personalities. Natural and sophisticated, it isn't for all budgets but definetly a city and beach worth knowing.

Iguazu Falls

 

Tacuarembó: Town in the Northern Interior region of the country popular for both being an important center for the Gaucho-culture. The mid-March Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha (Gaucho Festival) merits a visit from travelers in the area.

The best of the country

Food & Drinks

Music & Dance

Uruguay counts with several traditional dishes as well as a variety of restaurants offering good meals for a wide range of prices. The majority of the restaurants are parrilladas (grill-rooms). Table service is usual in restaurants. Cafes or bars have either table and/or counter service.

The folk and popular music of Uruguay shares not only its gaucho roots with Argentina but also those of the tango. The candombe is a folk dance performed at Carnival mainly by Uruguayans of African ancestry. Some bands and musicians you can listen are Jorge Drexler, Alfredo Zitarrosa, La vela puerca and No te va a gustar.

Plastic Arts

Cinema

A prominent exponent of Afro-Uruguayan art is abstract painter and sculptor Carlos Páez Vilaró. He drew from both Timbuktu and Mykonos to create his best-known work: his home, hotel and atelier Casapueblo near Punta del Este. Casapueblo is a "livable sculpture" and draws thousands of visitors from around the world.

Juan Pablo Rebella and Pablo Stoll are well known film directors. 2 of their movies (25 Watts, 2001 and Whisky, 2004) received international recognition. Two of the most famous Uruguayan actors are Daniel Hendler and China Zorrilla that moastly perform for Argentinean cinema.

 

Science and technology

Sports

The UNESCO Regional Office for Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean is located in Montevideo. The two universities of the country are located in Montevideo and there young people can study agronomy, sciences, engineering, medicine, dentistry, chemistry, veterinary medicine, biological climatology, geomorphology, paleontology, and mathematics.

Sport in Uruguay has been part of Uruguayan culture from the early start of the nation. Winners of such important awards such as the FIFA World Cup, the French Open, and Olympic medals, Uruguay has been a constantly successful sports nation in continental and world aspects. Football (soccer) is the most popular Sport in Uruguay.

Spare time

Literature

Uruguayans spend their free time in different ways. It could be going to a soccer game or watching it at some bar or at cable TV if it's broadcasted there. Going out with friends for a drink, or out to eat, or dance. Going to the movies, or the theatre, or a concert. Walking down the coastline on a nice day, and maybe going to the beach as well. Drinking "mate" is also one of their favorite activities.

Distinguished modern uruguayan writers and novelist Mario Benedetti and journalist, ensayist and novelist Eduardo Galeano. Another well known writer is Horacio Quiroga that was an immensely popular as well as highly individual and flavourful short-story writer who has had vast influence in other Latin American writers.